India loses to Sri Lanka by eight wickets in Dambulla
By ANISunday, August 22, 2010
DAMBULLA - Team India suffered its biggest One-Day International defeat in terms of balls remaining, as Sri Lanka cruised into the final of the tri-series Micromax Cup with a resounding eight wicket victory in the 5th ODI here on Sunday.
Till date, India’s biggest defeat in terms of balls remaining was 174 against Australia at Sydney in 1981. India had scored 63 and Australia responded with 64 for one in that match.
Playing first, Team India could score a paltry 103 runs in 33.4 overs. It was their third lowest total against the Sri Lankans.
The 21-year-old Perera (5/28) ripped through the Indian middle order with a fine exhibition of swing bowling.
The Sri Lankans rattled up the required runs of 104 in just 15.1 overs and gaine a bonus point and moved into the final.
Tillakaratne Dilshan (35) and Mahela Jayawardene (33) virtually toyed with the Indian bowlers as they plundered runs at will to set up the chase brilliantly.
The hosts completed their league matches with 11 points.
Meanwhile, Team India will have to now win its last match against New Zealand on Wednesday to secure a berth in the final.
India have five points while New Zealand have seven points in the ongoing tri-series tournament. (ANI)
